18. They were afraid when they were taken to Joseph's house. They thought, "We were brought here because of the money that was put back in our sacks the first time. He wants to attack us and overpower us. Then he can hold us as slaves and take our donkeys."
19. So they went up to Joseph's manager. They spoke to him at the entrance to the house.
20. "Please, sir," they said. "We came down here the first time to buy food.
21. We opened our sacks at the place where we stopped for the night. Each of us found in our sacks the money we had paid. So we've brought it back with us.
22. We've also brought more money with us to buy food. We don't know who put our money in our sacks."
23. "It's all right," the manager said. "Don't be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, has given you riches in your sacks. I received your money." Then he brought Simeon out to them.
24. The manager took the men into Joseph's house. He gave them water to wash their feet. He provided feed for their donkeys.
25. They prepared their gifts for Joseph. He was planning to arrive at noon. They had heard that they were going to eat there.
26. When Joseph came home, they gave him the gifts they had brought into the house. They bowed down to the ground in front of him.
27. He asked them how they were. Then he said, "How is your old father you told me about? Is he still living?"
28. They replied, "Your servant our father is still alive and well." And they bowed low to show him honor.
29. Joseph looked around. Then he saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother's son. He asked, "Is this your youngest brother? Is he the one you told me about?" He continued, "May God be gracious to you, my son."
30. It moved him deeply to see his brother. So Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to cry. He went into his own room and cried there.
31. Then he washed his face and came out. He calmed down and said, "Serve the food."
32. They served Joseph by himself. They served the brothers by themselves. They also served the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves. Because of their beliefs, Egyptians couldn't eat with Hebrews.